Wing Savea appeared in the final Test against the British and Irish Lions on July 8 but was omitted by Steve Hansen for the Rugby Championship and the November internationals.

The 27 year-old has scored 46 tries in 54 Test appearances for the All Blacks – just four away from surpassing Douglas Howlett as the country's most prolific player.

Savea is contracted with New Zealand Rugby until the end of the 2019 Rugby World Cup, though he is seemingly open to switching codes with his place in the national team uncertain.

"It's always been in the back of my mind," Savea said. "I haven't had any reason to leave rugby, I'd definitely think about it.

"You can't not think about it and not say no straight away, weigh up the pros and cons and what's best for my family."

Savea featured for the Barbarians against New Zealand in November and is trying to stay positive as he looks ahead to the 2018 Super Rugby season with the Hurricanes.

"I guess it [being dropped] can play a lot on your mind," he said. "Especially with the confidence. Do you start believing you're not good enough or say stuff it and work harder and work your butt off?

"For me, I like the challenges. I've had adversity before, I just can't wait to get the season started."